Brian Lara considers India favourites for World T20

Dubai: West Indies batting legend Brian Lara considers hosts India the favourites in the World Twenty20 Championship but insists that the West Indians can also pose a threat if they play consistent cricket during the March 8 to April 3 event.

Lara said India would enter the tournament with an edge because of home advantage.

"I think India will win in home conditions. Their players know the pitches and they're playing good cricket against the best teams in the world at present in that version of the game. I would definitely give them top billing," the former Test captain was quoted as saying by the local media.

"But I must talk about the West Indies. I hope they can pick the best possible team because if they do, every other nation will be worried," he added.

West Indies, who won the Cup in 2012, will be led by all-rounder Darren Sammy and would have the likes of Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell, all of whom are generally a part of major T20 leagues across the world. Lara feels if the players can gel and play consistently, they would be genuine contenders.